Illinois How to Expunge and/or Seal a Criminal Record is a set of procedures for removing criminal records from public access in the state of Illinois. It is a legal process that requires the filing of a petition with the court and the review of the petition by the court. The process is available to individuals who meet specific criteria and has two main types: expungement and sealing. Expungement of a criminal record in Illinois requires the petition to be filed with the court where the conviction occurred and the petitioner must provide proof of eligibility. Eligibility criteria include a conviction that is eligible for expungement, the petitioner has no prior criminal record, and the petitioner has completed any sentences associated with the conviction. Once the petition is filed, the court reviews it and decides if expungement is appropriate. If granted, the record is permanently removed from public access. Sealing of a criminal record in Illinois requires the petition to be filed with the court where the conviction occurred and the petitioner must provide proof of eligibility. Eligibility criteria include a conviction that is eligible for sealing, the petitioner has not been convicted of a crime since the time of the original conviction, and the petitioner has not been charged with any other criminal offenses since the time of the original conviction. Once the petition is filed, the court reviews it and decides if sealing is appropriate. If granted, the record is removed from public access, but can still be accessed by law enforcement and certain government agencies. In both cases, the petitioner must pay a filing fee and provide documentation to the court demonstrating their eligibility. After the petition is submitted, the court will review the petition and render a decision. If the petition is approved, the record will be removed from public access.